WHERE TO STAY CHEAP OR LUXURY? WHERE TO EAT? WHAT TO VISIT AND DO WHILE VISITING MAURITIUS?

PLACES OF INTEREST: Albion, Flic-en-Flac, Yemen, Tamarin, Black River, La Gaulette, Case Noyale, Chamarel, Le Morne, Souillac, Bel Ombre, Mahebourg, Blue Bay, Pt D’esny, Trou D’eau Douce, Roches Noires, Grand Gaube, Pereybere, Cap Malheureux, Grand Bay, Pereybere, Mont Choisix, Port Louis, Curepipe, Moka, Vacoas, Quatre Bornes, Ebene, Rose Hill, Ile aux Cerfs, Ile Au Bennitier, Ile Plate, Ile Ronde, Coin de Mire, Grande Riviere Sud Est, Pointe du Diable,  Iles aux Aigrettes, Trou aux Cerfs, Ile au Darne.

In order to maximize and stretch your holiday you definitely will need to have your own transport, taxis are expensive and prices vary a lot. You don’t want to be spending all your spare money on taxi fares. I personally recommend that you rent a 4wd (Suzuki Jimmy) which offers diversity like off road access. If you require more space for your surf, wind surf and kite surf gear you can rent mini-vans from local car rentals or directly from your Travel Agent. Daily or weekly rates are negotiable usually from $25 or 16 euro a day. Again everything is negotiable in Mauritius you just have to keep pushing for it.

For the accommodation it all comes down to your budget, taste and of course the availability which can play tricks on your choices, so book early to avoid any disappointment. Depending on your holiday timeframe and the different chosen areas you wish to visit and experience, you should give yourself at least a couple of days at each areas so you enjoy and make the most of the local attractions, food, beaches, snorkel, dive, windsurf, surf & kite surf spots. This is why I suggest you book yourself in two different hotels either at the two end of the island where it been North and South or East and West. That way you will get to cover the entire island and you will enjoy two holidays in just the one.

1/West & South West

I would start my holiday by spending my first week of holiday in the South West and West area. The ideal location would be staying right on Le Morcellement Cambier, "Le Morne".  It is only 45 mins from the airport via "Souillac" and a 20-30 mins drive to "Tamarin" and "Flic-en-Flac".The South offers more activities in terms of Natural, Tourism Parks and Hotels to visits. I strongly recommend you try a combination of hotel stay if you are residing in hotels, that way you see more beaches, try more food and see different parts of the island and its amazing sunsets. "Le Morne" is less crowded and offers numerous type of accommodation varying from either private villa with personal maids and chefs, to small cozy self catering studios. You have also the choice of staying in 4 to 5 stars hotels "Indian Resorts", "Les Pavilions", "Le Paradis" and "Dina Robin", which have great evening entertainment services such as "Sega Dancing" and one of the island best golf courses, spas and fantastic choice of restaurants with ocean views are just irresistible.

At these two distinctive areas you will find many local accommodations from luxury resorts and hotels to eco friendly spas retreats, private bungalows and exclusive lodges, luxury villas (beach & mountain) and self catering apartments. Also available are scooters and car rentals from local "Tour Operators" to a wide selection of local cuisine from very welcoming 'Tables D’Hôte' to breath taking upper class restaurants are all within nearby villages. The West & South West are quiet areas where many locals lives their daily life with easy and tranquility. If you are looking for a more vibrant and night life style, the North West would be your desired location where all the action takes place. Although "Flic-en-Flac" and "Tamarin" have now a couple of bars and nightclubs open until the early hours. The shopping is good and so is the range of activities, you can find Dolphin and Whale Watching, Diving Centers, Snorkeling, Big Game Fishing and Hiking.

"Le Morne" is where all the SWK (Surfing, Windsurfing and Kite surfing) action takes place all week and week-ends so you won’t be disappointed and will see what’s on offer straight away. You certainly will be blown away if the conditions are there, that’s for sure. Not to forget the amazing sunsets of the South West is just breath taking. My personal accommodation recommendations would be for the ones on a shoe string to either consider self catering accommodations. They are cheap, clean and fun to stay at. These types of accommodations are very popular amongst the SWK riders. Who knows you might meet some real SWK pros and unique characters there during your stay there. My best choice for the SWK riders is Veronique & Joachim www.mauritiuspalms.com who offers sensational converted private studios with amazing views on Bennitier and Le Paradis hotel. Another cheap accommodation on "Le Morne" is Pic Pic offers an outdoor pool and a tennis court. A village that is also worth looking at is "La Gaulette" where more modern private apartments and villas on the mountain offer real value for money. There are a couple of Tour Operators who operate in the area, they will certainly help you with of all housing and car rentals enquiries. They are both off the main street in "La Gaulette", Ropsen Tours.

If you are visiting Chamarel you must stop at 'La Rhumerie de Chamarel' a world class distillerie offers many flavors of our national drink visit www.rhumeriedechamarel.com. The accommodation offers exclusive lodges in the tropical surroundings of Chamarel Mountains. Some with outdoors showers and personal balcony overlooking the garden. The sites is magnificent, its main building houses the reception, a reading corner and a beautiful veranda where breakfast, lunch and dinner is served. There is a "masseuse" and a "sauna" for your pleasure and one of the lodges has a private heated pool. The mountains offer great views of the tropical forest which blends well with a pink sky at sunset. The view and the nature of Chamarel is untouched and most under natural reserve. While in "Chamarel" The 7 Earth Color is the main attraction as well as La Rhumerie De Chamarel and "Le Chamarel Restaurant" www.lechamarelrestaurant.com and "Domain Du Cachet" are my favorite lunch spots. The combination of the surroundings, the views, the food, the service and presentation are just the ingredients needed why we keep returning to them year after year.

For those who choose to locate themselves in "Tamarin “or "Black River "there are heaps of accommodation available from the local real estate, amazing locations with personalized services such as cooks and maids. Many have different extra facilities such as spas, pools, views to die for, in house food and entertainment. Or if you wish to make new local friends why not stay with "The Dream Team" www.dreamteam-mauritius.com and there "Table D'Hotes", "Chez Gio Restaurant" www.chez-gio.com or why not try Audrey's B&B "Le Grain de Sel" at Morcellement Carlos. It is walking distance to the famous Tamarin Bay where the locals, tourists and expats gather every afternoon to enjoy the beautiful sunsets. If you are seeking the real touch of local experience and meet other travelers in the same vibe, why not stay the legendary surfing home of ”Jack Lagane". A simple guesthouse offers a basic kitchen and shower in the typical and vibrant village of "Tamarin Bay". Both locals and the travelers gather regularly after a sunset for a chilled beer and a local feed. "Tamarin Hotel" offers a 3 star service with a diving center. A Surf & Kite Shop with all the needed equipment surfboards to kite surf equipment are available. They have a restaurant, spa, pool and provide entertainment weekly. You may want to try the local bars "Big Willis" and "Bali Kopi "if you want to mingle with locals and other tourists. The mid week break Wednesday is always packed as well as usual party goers on Friday and Saturday. If you are seeking a real good feed, "La Bonne Chute" has been my favorite since my teenage years; the menu has not changed so as the setup. The place has now an open bar which is very busy with South Africans and locals. Popular nights are during rugby seasons.

For the travelers that seeks a more family oriented and affordable hotels "Les Pavilions", "The Indian Resort" are more reasonable and most probably best located and equipped hotels to consider for some gliding actions, with "The Indian Resort" been the best located for all your SWK actions. Club Mistral offers equipment hire and private lessons. Just imagine waking up by the sound of breaking waves on the coral reef or a perfect wind blowing through the coconut leafs. For those who are seeking a more luxury holiday, then "Dina robin" and "Le Paradis" are just what you are looking for. Both are amazing 5 stars resorts with exclusive restaurants and bars which offer the world finest food and wine.  They also offer two of the island best 18 holes golf courses, you can also rent you own charter for big game fishing or luxury speedboat for a quick trip around the island or a day shopping and lunch at "The Caudan Waterfront" in  Port Louis. The resorts also have their own diving centers and instructors. Both hotels are part of the Beachcomber Group of hotels www.beachcomber-hotels.com who are pioneers and leaders in the Indian Ocean Hospitality.

While staying in South West you must visit the "Tamarin Falls", it is hard work to reach but what a sensation of paradise when you take the coolest bath in the reservoir with seven waterfalls pouring on the top of you. Not to forget the "Black River Gorges National Park" offers great hiking trails through dodo tree and wild guavas trees which are very tasty (bright red or pale yellow). You could get up close with some of the most protected wild life bird such as the "kestrel" and "pink pigeons" or see a couple of "macaque" or "deer". Another must see tourist attraction is the "Martello Tower" which offers a small history of the South West early settler’s occupation together with "The Castle of La Tour Koenig". Le Morne Anglers Club (LMAC) offers great fishing history and is host to numerous trophies and the harbour to most of the South West fishing boats and yachts.

If you are looking for a day out and catch a Blue Marlin, there is only one team you should consider for the job, Mr. Jerome Moonsamy or “Bull” and his brother "Toto" are well known in the area. They own a couple of fishing boats in the harbour and offer one of the best deep sea fishing experience in the South West, they will give you a 5 star service and a personalized tour of their birth place.

When you visit "Le Morne Village", ask for “Ton Pic” and “Mr. Gerard”. They are both great South West guides and will give you a satisfied local tour including your special requests for the day. Where ever you want to snorkel along the coastal reef, dive with reef sharks, catch your own fish or crayfish, they both know this lagoon best. Ask any villagers and they will get you in contact with them. They both have extensive knowledge of the mountains and lagoons and will guide you on a private pirogue for the day, snorkeling along deserted coastal reef a kilometer out where only locals have been mastering and enjoying its pleasure. Special lunch packages are negotiable and available upon requests, fresh crayfish and catch of the day usually ends up on the fire on "Le Morne" village beach or on "Ile au Bennitier". If you are looking for a more sophisticated and leisure crafts then JP Charters is your solution. Please visit www.blackriver-mauritius.com.

Flic En Flac:

The shopping is extremely good in "Flic-en-Flac" with factory priced designer clothing stores and local beach food outlets must be tried. Rotis/ Dal Pouries are a favourite amongst locals and tourists. If you prefer the sitting down experience and enjoy the passing tourist flows from bay windows or verandas, then there are a mile long street of Chinese restaurants to numerous local Table D’hôte offering traditional seafood, curries, rougailles, steaks and fries. There are also a couple of Italian restaurants which offers great pasta dishes and pizzas. The most prestigious "Domaine" in Mauritius is the magnificent "Domain Anna", ask for my friend and local owner/manager “Mr. Ah Hong”. Him and his brothers are the proud owners of this amazing estate together with famous Chinese restaurants "King Dragon" and "Dragon Vert" in Quatre Bornes. The Domaine offers also services and faculties for conferences, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. The "Domaine Anna" is very popular with locals and tourists and booking in advance is advisable. After spending the day in "Flic-en-Flac", stay and watch the amazing tropical sunset from the main public beach. The setting offers two of Mauritius most beautiful mountain backgrounds of "Tamarin" and "Le Morne" sunset pictures there are to die for. The accommodation is "Flic-en-Flac" is abundant. You have all sorts of accommodation available. The pick is yours. The popular hotels are "La Pirogue", "The Sugar Beach", "Hilton", The Taj Resort & Spa" and "The Sands".

Before leaving "Flic-en-Flac" make a stop at the "Casela Bird Park" this will take you a good two hour with "Safari Adventures" where big cats encounters is quite a personal challenge. After "Casela" take a slow drive through "Port Louis", try avoid the traffic week peak time and especially on Saturday during the horse racing season, bear in mind that Mauritian drivers are extremely unconscious of speed and drive like maniacs, you have been warned so keep to the left in order to avoid fatal collisions.  Before Port Louis’s make a stop at "Moka" colonial home of Eureka, the gardens is divine so is the local food and artisan shop. After "Moka" stop at the "Domaines Les Pailles" which offers 4 restaurants, a recreation of the sugar history and a train ride around the estate not forgetting its flagship the "Clos Saint-Louis".

PORT LOUIS (CAPITAL, HARBOUR & MARKET)

The capital & largest city, "Port Louis" was built in the 1850s in the middle of Chinatown, and Fort Adelaide, which so resembles a Moorish fortress that locals call it the Citadel. "Port Louis" also has great Islamic architecture such as the Jummah Mosque. Spending the whole day in "Port Louis" is recommended with the numerous shopping outlets, the vibrant and colorful market where you can find anything from fruits and vegetables, meats and fish, souvenirs, crafts, clothing and spices all major money exchange, travel agents and tour operators are based in "Port Louis". You must visit our "Natural History Museum" and the "National Library" while you are in "Port Louis" to see a stuffed replica of that abnormal member of a group of pigeons, the dodo, which has been extinct since the late 17th century and the great collection of books, articles, newspapers and black and white pictures. The latest development in "Port Louis" is "Le Caudan" Waterfront which offers "The Blue Penny Museum" together with great brands clothing and products, a casino, cinemas, shops, bars and restaurants.

For the horse racing fanatics during the May-Nov months is the annual gathering of the island best horse trainers and punters, a great competitive and gambling atmosphere is guaranteed. Beware of parking and the traffic. Get there early to avoid disappointment. While in Port Louis the view from "Marilene De La Paix" gives a panoramic view of "Port Louis" especially at night, the city is bright, the traffic noise sounds like an orchestra in crisis and the place is home to night lovers who embraces this romantic location to divulge their love to their partners. Just outside "Port Louis" heading North you must stop at the "Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousse", "L’Aventure du Sucre" which gives you the total history or the slaves and sugar cane relationship.

2/ North & North West

"Grand Bay" offers the best night life and shopping experience on the island. The bay is home to the island most luxurious vessels, catamarans and yachts. The bay offer a good swim and it’s quite famous with local kids jumping in and out. The town is always buzzing with traffic and tourists flows. At dusk the end of the bay turns into the fish market where local fishermen unload their catch of the day and regular restaurateur pick their fish for their menu. At night the place opens its door to the party goers who usually starts at the famous "Banana Bar" or at the new funky "Cocoloko". The NW is more of a nightlife tourism driven with great restaurants choice and tropical bar atmosphere. From brilliant beach Sega performance to nostalgic jazz performance and chilled house sound. The NW is the nightlife icon of Mauritius. If you are more into island parties or jungle festivals do not hesitate to ask the local Dj’s who are the only music pioneer and true organizers of such unique event. They will give you the directions and meeting points where real Ibiza style beach parties, boat parties and island parties are taking place, search on Facebook and you certainly will find something. The place burgeons with locals and tourists coming in and out of local restaurants which are crowded during week-ends. The place never sleeps, as early punters return home or to their hotels, the day starts again for those who are out making a living, shop owners, local guides, fishermen and divers are up and ready to entertain you.

Both the NE & NW areas are a pleasure to experience from the various villages that offers unique access to public and private beaches. Great oceans views, a unique sea breeze which cools those hot summer night. The NE & NW offers a huge choice of accommodation from 5 star hotels rooms, private luxurious villas to peaceful and affordable self catering townhouse and units in villa complexes. They both have great coastal drives and great landscape to be discovered. If you are after busy markets, restaurants and bars. The NW is your kind of location you are looking to experience and be based "Grand Bay" can be very noisy with early mornings and late nights, but areas such as "Pereybere" and "Calodine" are not too far away and offer great spots and tranquility. "The Maritim Hotel" is the first ever built 5 stars hotel which is 3 storeys high. All the other hotels have only 2 storey building restrictions. While in the NW, "The Aquarium "is a must experience as well as the "Horse Delights" at  "Mont Choisix" or "Sailing to Flat and Round Island" on a catamaran is just another Robinson adventurer many tourist and locals gets up to on the week-end.

If you are into the all SWK spirit I would definitely finish off my trip by staying at Niko Kux "Beach Cottages" www.kuxville.de . Niko offers a safe haven for those who are looking for a reputable "Dive & Kite" school accommodation in the North if it is fully booked try any cheap accommodation in Pereybere, you can secure many private rentals or if you don’t mind any rental houses, private villas or private apartments in "Grand Bay", "Pereybere" and "Cap Malheureux" offers an endless choice, especially within the small surroundings "Morcellement". If you are after the ultimate private luxury accommodation, you also can try our selection “Villa Par Excellence” for those with a bigger budget.

3/ North East, East & South East

The NE, E & SE have great characteristics and offers diversity, from the mountain slopes to flat landscape. Deep blue waters to shallow turquoise lagoons. "Trou D'eau Douce" and "Belle Mare" are most known for their elite choice of 5 stars hotels from One & Only "Le St Geran", to fun resorts like "Le Coco Beach". "Le Trou aux Biches" hotel is another must experience hotel where ever for a day and an evening or overnight stay, even if you can only afford a dining experience. The hotel is under renovation and will be the highlight of 2010.  "Le Touessrok" is another world landmark in 5 stars hotels. One of Mauritius most exclusive hotel where the A-listers and movie stars come and retreat in their own paradise. The hotel has accumulated many awards including its latest winnings from "The Leading Hotels of the World", Best Hotels for Africa and Middle East and the VIP International Traveller has awarded "Le Touessrok" The Most Exclusive Hotel in The World. The hotel offers serviced rooms, maintained pool, a Givenchy Spa and offer unlimited and free services, such as boat outings and water sports. The villas have also private spas and the restaurants signature is of world renowned chef "Bernard Langer". A once in a lifetime must try experience, even if only one night, one dining experience or a day on their world class Golf Course.

The NE public beach areas are well frequented by local families during week-ends and can get very busy especially during the school holidays. Many tourist chose to be located in these two areas because it is close to all amenities, shopping, tourists attractions, markets and is also has great beaches, tropical forests and offers amazing sailing, diving and kite surfing spots. "Roche Noires" is a second holiday home to most locals and offer the typical fishermen village atmosphere. Roads are tiny so is the local deli store. There is no major shopping besides side roads artisans selling their "crafts and sculptures". Occasional ice cream van passing through the village in the afternoon is the highlight of this tropical village. The private beaches off the bungalows are just magnificent so is the lagoon and the snorkelling. The East lagoon is vast, reasonably deep and a great place for wind and kite surfing. Before coming down past "Belle Mare", spending the day at "L’ile aux Cerf" is ideal for a private island retreat. The place is just magical. Before heading towards the "Blue Bay" at "Le Preskil" which offers private boat ride to the famous "Ile au Darne" also known to surfers around the area. The wave is hollow and only experienced surfers are advised in. One Love Mauritius www.oneloveinmauritius.com offers private trips to "Grande Riviere Sud Est" and to "La Pointe du Diable" where the oldest naval history of Mauritius is preserved on this key island which was the battle ground between the French and the English.

While in the South East do check "Le Domaine Du Chasseur" and "The Vanilla Crocodile Park" are a must experience tourism attractions. You have quad biking and hiking trails that shows the true beauty of the SE density flaura and fauna. Another nature's gift and hiking attraction is "The Lion Mountain" which offers a great challenge and reward once up in the mountain. The view of the East plateau is just amazing. Try make your way through the Central plateau where the dormant volcano of "Le Trou aux Cerfs" with panoramic views of the whole island. An inland drive, ride, run or hike experience I do recommend is the local "rally road" that takes you all the way from the High plateau of "Vacoas", nearby the "Reservoir of Bassin" through down the mountain hills of Chamarel to finish at either "Bel Ombre" or "Case Noyale" village which ever route you decide they are both full of scenic views and small villages.